Bulldogs Ready For Top Five Match-Up

Bulldogs Ready For Top Five Match-Up

The road to AT&T Stadium is never an easy one, and this week the Stamford Bulldogs could be facing their biggest speed-bump in the path back to the state title game.

The road to AT&T Stadium is never an easy one, and this week the Stamford Bulldogs could be facing their biggest speed-bump in the path back to the state title game.

Stamford is coming off their most impressive win of the postseason against Sundown. That bumped the Bulldogs up to number two in the Harris Ratings this week.

At the same time, New Deal also jumped up the rankings to number three after knocking off Stratford. That means Monday's match-up between the top five teams could be one of the best in the state.

The Bulldogs appear to be clicking on all cylinders heading into the quarterfinals match-up, but head coach Wayne Hutchinson is very aware of the challenges awaiting his team on Monday afternoon.

One of them will be making the most of their opportunities.

"When you play a running team like New deal, you can't let them control the ball. You can't let them control the clock. We have got to force some three-and-outs, and when we get the ball we have to make sure our possessions count," said Hutchinson.

The Bulldogs will also have to make sure they hold onto the ball to limit the opportunities for the Lions.

"We've got to make sure we have great ball security this week. We can't allow New Deal to have a short field. They're a 'three and half yard and a pile of dust' team. If you get them in a short field, then their going to go for it on fourth down every time. Percentages say that you'll probably get that fourth down," said Hutchinson.

"If we can make them drive the length of the field, take care of our possessions when we get it, and take care of the special teams, then we like our chances."

Stamford and New Deal will kickoff in Snyder at 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

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